Karen Sue (Johnson) Bortz

Mrs. Karen Sue Bortz, 81, of 3226 N. Briar Leaf Ct., LaPorte, died Monday, September 16, 2024 at 2:51 a.m. at Northwest Health Hospital in LaPorte, following an extended illness.

She was born July 15, 1943 in Indianapolis, Indiana to William Johnson and Marilyn (Young) Johnson and had lived in LaPorte since 1955.

Mrs. Bortz graduated from Indiana University in 1966 with a Bachelor's Degree in Education and obtained her Master's Degree in Education, also from Indiana University. She was the co-founder of Step Ahead Nursery School. She was also the co-founder of Challenge Courses School. Mrs. Bortz was then a teacher at the Laporte Community School Corporation for over 25 years, working predominantly at Kesling Middle School, teaching 7th grade English. She ended her teaching career at Krueger Middle School in Michigan City. Mrs. Bortz also enjoyed being the co-founder of B&B Cognitive Writing, Inc. where she was an author and publisher of curriculum and disciplinary programs used by many school districts.

Mrs. Bortz was a member of First United Methodist Church. She enjoyed playing tennis and golf in various city leagues during her younger years. She was a loyal supporter of her Indiana Hoosiers. Most of all, she enjoyed being with her family and spending time with her husband, children and grandchildren. Her family was the center of her wonderful life.

On February 18, 1967, in LaPorte, she married Robert H. Bortz, who survives.

Also surviving are her daughter, Heather (Craig) Menne of LaPorte, and two sons, John Bortz of LaPorte and Christopher (Jennifer) Bortz of Caseyville, Illinois. Mrs. Bortz is also survived by eight grandchildren, Molly Menne, Anna Menne, Emma Menne, Jack Bortz, Max Bortz, Ryland Bortz, Cameron Tucker and Braden Tucker, along with many beloved nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents, one son, Robert H. Bortz, Jr., one sister, Judith Ryden, one brother, William Theodore Johnson and one grandson, Drew Michael Bortz.

There will be a private family funeral service at Frank L. Keszei Funeral Home Essling Chapel, in LaPorte.

Memorial Contributions may be made to First United Methodist Church, 1225 Michigan Avenue, Laporte, Indiana, 46350 and/or to Northwestern Medicine Organ Transplant Center, 676 North St. Clair Street, 19th Floor, Suite 1900, Chicago, Illinois 60611.

To light a virtual candle, share a story of Karen’s life or leave a message of comfort for her family, please visit esslingfuneralhome.com.

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